Emelec goalkeeper Pedro Ortiz was the star of the match against Libertad in the start of the second stage of LigaPro. The match in Loja ended goalless, thanks to the goalkeeper's interventions.
"We wanted to win the match, but we couldn't. It's difficult with one less player (Carlos Villalba was sent off), but one point is good enough for us to keep fighting," Ortiz said after the match. The goalkeeper commented on what Emelec lacked: "The pitch was not ideal, but despite that, we were able to play and have possession. We lacked firepower, but it's okay; now we have to prepare for what's coming."
Hernán Torres' Analysis
Coach Hernán Torres praised Ortiz's performance but criticized his team: "Our goalkeeper saved us. We didn't have much time on the ball, and when we did have it to create danger, we didn't convert. In the first 20 minutes, we didn't have possession, but we had the personality and character to fight for the ball and improve."
Torres highlighted his team's weaknesses: "We prioritized ball possession, it's something we've been emphasizing and we're fulfilling it. It was the match where we had the most possession, but we lacked intensity. We were slow."